66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair

“Appreciation Tradition”

September 2nd – 9th, 2012

Window Rock, AZ

The World’s Largest American Indian Fair.

The Navajo Nation Fair was established in 1938 to stimulate livestock improvements and management through exhibits for the Navajo people. The Navajo Nation Fair has become a world-renowned event that showcases Navajo Agriculture, Fine Arts and Crafts, with the promotion and preservation of the Navajo heritage by providing cultural entertainment.

2012 Navajo Nation Fair Schedule

Press Release from the Navajo Nation Fair 2012

Navajo Nation Gearing Up for Grand Daddy of all Tribal Fairs
WINDOW ROCK, AZ. – Nestled in the heart of the Southwest is a rich and vibrant tribe called the Navajo Nation.

Whispering canyon walls….mystifying ancient architecture….picturesque mountains….relaxing lakes and rivers…towering rock formations…..an earthly scent of cedar and sage after a light sprinkle of rain….magnificent sunsets…and refreshing blue skies….this is Navajoland, a panorama of awesome scenery and captivating getaways….this is what most Navajoland visitors come to see. However, it is the Navajo people that makes Navajoland beautiful and unique.
And within the four sacred mountains is one of the world’s best kept secrets….the Navajo Nation Fair, which is the “Largest American Indian Fair in North America.” When it first began 66 years ago, it was a small gathering of primarily Navajo people. Over the years, other tribes were invited and it soon became known as the largest gathering of Indian nations in the U.S. that cultivates and nurtures indigenous expression.
Today, it is a mecca and visual symphony for elegant Navajo art, dance, music, food and professional athleticism with a native touch. It is also where legends are matched with a new world of future champions vying for thousands of dollars in prize money.
The Navajo Nation Fair is an event that many people look forward to attending year after year. To continue this tradition, the Navajo Nation Special Events Office and a host of volunteers will launch the 66th Annual Navajo Nation Fair on September 2-9th -. The theme this year will be “Appreciating Tradition.”
“Hosting the World’s Largest American Indian Fair takes more than a village, according to Norma Bowman, Navajo Nation Fair Manager.
“The Navajo Nation Fair takes a lot of volunteers, planning, and financial partnerships to make it a success. There are an array of individuals who are working quietly behind the scenes to make it a successful cultural celebration.

Hosting the Navajo Nation Fair is a time-honored tradition and we are doing our best to make it a very enjoyable for everyone. This is a great opportunity to see how we showcase our people and share our cultural pride.”
Bowman added, “The Navajo Nation Fair is an ideal place to experience American Indian culture, namely, Navajo culture. So if you’re looking for a myriad of cultural excitement, make plans to join us here in the capital of the Navajo Nation in September.

I’d also like to especially invite Navajoland visitors to the Navajo Nation Fair, which is a great venue to learn more about the Navajo culture.”

Events:

The Navajo Nation Fair will also include a free Christian concert, a junior rodeo, a Miss Navajo Nation butchering contest, a frybread contest, a Nizhoni Arts Market, an Extreme Native Bull Riding event, Native American comedy entertainment, an exceptional rodeo, a Navajo Nation Energy Expo, Hoshkii Happy/Kids Day, a free barbecue, Pueblo Country Opener for
Country Music Artist Gary Allan, a hot air balloon event, a traditional Navajo song and dance, an inter-tribal pow wow, a parade, an inter-tribal night performance, a fundraising golf tournament, a livestock and horticulture exhibit, a carnival, and more.
For more information about sponsorships, parade, event fees and participation or other related questions, please contact the Navajo Nation Museum Special Events Section at (928) 871-7941 or www.navajonationfair.com